Dental Health Dental Health Basics

Nail-Biting is Bad for the Teeth

(HealthCentersOnline) - The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) reminded patients that nail-biting is a common habit that damages the teeth and gums.

Up to 41 percent of children bite their nails, according to the AGD, and the habit could eventually cost more than $4,000 in dental bills. Nail-biting places a great amount of stress on the front teeth, potentially causing the edges to chip or wear down and the enamel to crack. This damage may become severe enough to require composite restorations or crowns.

"Nailbiting can cause a lot of damage to the front teeth because they're not meant to be in a constant chewing mode," said Dr. Paula Jones of the AGD. "And unfortunately, I see nailbiters of all ages in my practice everyday."

The combination of nail-biting and braces may cause additional damage. Teeth with braces already endure increased pressure from the braces. Nail-biting may increase this pressure and increase the risk to the roots of resorption, or shortening. Root resorption takes a long time to develop, but if it progresses far enough, the affected teeth will fall out of the sockets. Lost teeth can be replaced with implants or bridges.

Other potential dangers of nail-biting include damage to the gums from sharp points and edges of the nails and the spread of infection. Bacteria in the mouth can spread to the fingers and hands, while bacteria or fungi from the rest of the body can spread to the mouth.

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